Long-Haul Operations & How They’re Impacted by UK Driver Hour Regulations
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- Long-Haul Operations & How They’re Impacted by UK Driver Hour Regulations
Anyone experienced in the UK transport and logistics sector will know what a critical role driver hours regulations play in how companies operate. Designed to avoid incidents caused by driver fatigue and improve overall levels of road safety, they require a myriad of operational adjustments from businesses in the sector.
In this article, we look at how these rules influence logistics planning, scheduling and how transport operators adopt new technologies to ensure they remain compliant and competitive.
Making the Necessary Adjustments to Ensure Compliance
In order to comply with driver hours requirements, transport managers must revamp their overall strategies, so that limits are not exceeded. This involves strict scheduling to account for the rest periods that need to be taken with a view to minimising driver tiredness and promoting compliance.
In essence, modern-day logistical planning has to consider the complexities of regulated driving hours without overlooking rest stops and perhaps even considering the use of relay teams. Of course, goods also have to be delivered on time, but not at the expense of infringing driving rule parameters and this need has transformed the logistics planning landscape into one that focuses both on operational efficiency and staying with the bounds of the law.
Popular Strategies Used to Maintain Efficiency
If companies are to achieve operational efficiency while also remaining within the constraints of these rules, innovative strategies must be employed. An important tool in this regard is route optimisation, so that the most direct and time-efficient routes are used.
Schedules also need to be flexible enough to fill any operational gaps that exist by incorporating part-time drivers. It’s the only way to ensure your business can stay responsive and agile.
Leveraging Technology for Compliance and Optimisation
Technology plays a pivotal role in allowing long-haul operators to abide by regulations. Telematics systems and software offers real-time monitoring of driving hours, and automated schedule optimisation. It also ensures compliance using alerts to facilitate route optimisation, reduce unnecessary travel and keep operations efficient and compliant.
As such, a few best practices transport managers can use to ensure compliance include:
- Regular Training – It’s crucial that all drivers within your fleet get regular training on driver hours regulations, in addition to how to properly use tachographs.
- Making Use of Technology – There are now countless technologies in existence that can be used to plan the most efficient routes and oversee driver compliance in real time.
- Proactive Planning – the schedules created must also include an element of anticipation for delays (as they’re often unavoidable), so as to prevent schedule disruptions.
The Pivotal Role That Tachographs Play
All UK HGV drivers will be familiar with tachographs, as they’re mandated in all trucks that drive commercially. Recording precise driving activity details, this hardware is the primary method by which drivers are tracked while actively being encouraged to drive safely.
Tachographs play a vital role in enforcing driver hours regulations, as every hour spent behind the wheel and every rest taken is documented. However, what they offer extends beyond compliance, as they can also be used to identify areas for operational improvement.
HGV Driver Hour Rules Have Safety at Their Core
There’s little doubt that driver hour regulations have completely changed the way that long-haul operations are conducted. It was a necessary change, too, as at their core, they have the safety of HGV drivers, and indeed, all road users in mind.
By making the required adjustments, paying sufficient attention to forward planning and leveraging the technologies that now exist in the transport sector, operators can thrive while also staying within the bounds of regulations.
Embracing these changes not only supports regulatory adherence but also fosters a culture of safety and efficiency for your company while benefitting every UK motorist. Additionally, through our HGV Skills Bootcamp, funded by the government, we offer companies the opportunity to provide fully funded training for their drivers, helping them to upskill and stay compliant.
